Idaho woman attempts to inject child with bleach

Woman tries to inject child with bleach. Photo via Idaho Statesman

Barbara Stringham, 39, was arrested on Monday after engaging in a dispute with a Boise man. Police were alerted to an altercation at about 1 AM on Monday morning. Witnesses reported to Boise police that Stringham attempted to stab an 11-year-old boy who was also present with a syringe full of bleach.

According to the Associated Press, the woman attacked the child after the man tried to remove him from the home. After attempting to harm the child with the syringe, Stringham reportedly tried to stab the man with a kitchen knife. When the police arrived on the scene, the boy and man were found outside of the home.

KTVB in Idaho reports that the attack was sparked by an ongoing dispute and that all of the parties involved knew each other.

A news release from the Boise Police Department states of the incident: “Witnesses tell police the suspect, who is well known to the victims, was involved in an ongoing dispute when she attempted to use a syringe filled with bleach to cause great bodily harm to a child under the age of 11 years old.”

The child has been put into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for the time being. The Idaho Statesman also reports that Stringham has been charged with felony injury to a child and aggravated battery. Stringham was due to appear in court today.

No explanation of motive has been given at this time.